A Constant Reminder by Lolah Lace Page A

scolded herself for thinking such a ridiculous thought, a job is a job.
    “Why would you want to do that?” Roxanne tried unsuccessfully to hide her attraction to the guy. She was back to speaking confidently and clearly.
    “I think that good car maintenance is extremely important.”
    “I’m sure it is.”
    “You look like a very busy lady. So I can call you up and remind you to come back here and let me handle you.”
    “Oh.”
    He smiled. “I meant handle your car.” His eyes observed Roxanne without any boundaries.
    “That’s what you meant, huh?”
    “I believe a free oil change might make you feel obliged to go out with me.”
    “Why would I want to go out with you?”
    He smiled. “Cause I’m much cuter with my clothes off, with these clothes off.” He corrected his slip up. “I mean, I’m really quite handsome once I’ve had a shower.”
    He raised his dirty hands for Roxanne to observe.
    “Is that so?”
    “Definitely so, Roxanne.”
    “How do you know my name?”
    “Your plates are in the system. Every time you come in your info appears on the computer screen.”
    “Yeah right, I forgot.”
    “You’re pretty forgetful. You need me to jog your memory.”
    “Do I?”
    “Yes, I like the name Roxanne. Reminds me of the song.”
    “Yeah, The Police.”
    “I’m a cool guy so you don’t have to put on the red light.”
    “Funny.” Roxanne felt a smile breaking free from her pressed lips.
    “Well Roxanne can I get your number?”
    “My number. I don’t even know your name.” She was sure she couldn’t be his type but she wasn’t sure why she thought that. She didn’t even know him to make such blurring assumptions.
    “My name is Adam, Adam Hardwick. It says it right here on the shirt.”
    Roxanne was so busy looking into his eyes she never noticed his name stitched into the pocket of his shirt. “Adam.”
    “The oil change is free even if you don’t give me your number.”
    “Can you give me a free oil change?”
    “I can do whatever I want.”
    “You’re not going to get in trouble with your boss?” Roxanne asked, concerned about him when perhaps she shouldn’t be.
    Adam smiled. “No I’m not going to get in trouble.”
    “Oh.”
    “I think you should give me your cell number. I prefer the cell number but I would be willing to settle for a business card.”
    “So you want to call me and remind me when I need an oil change?”
    “Yes that’s what I want to do.”
    “I’m sure you do.” Roxanne half rolled her eyes.
    Adam chuckled and it rumbled in his chest because his voice was much too deep for his boyish good looks.
    Adam reached in his work pants pocket and removed his cell phone. He unlocked the device and finger tapped his way to his contacts. He typed her name in. She stood there watching him. He handed his cell over to her.
    “Put your number in.”
    Roxanne took the phone. She felt like he was leading the conversation and she hated to admit she liked to be led.
    Adam carefully watched as Roxanne removed what he wrote, typed her name and number into the phone. She typed The Original Roxanne then her cell number. He would never get the joke. She was sure he had never heard of The Original Roxanne Shante’ but she didn’t care.
    “There you go.” Roxanne handed Adam his cell phone back. Adam glanced at her number in his contacts. He tried to hide his budding grin. He placed his cell in his chest pocket.
    “Can I call today?”
    “Today?”
    “Later.”
    “I don’t need an oil change this soon.”
    “I want to talk to you.” He looked at her with a passion she couldn’t turn away from. “I need too.”
    “Sure.” She shrugged not breaking eye contact. She decided to give in and just go with it. She had been single so long and she was tired of running from every man that flirted with her. This felt weird but weird in a good way. Maybe she was ready to date again.
    “Are you free tonight?” Adam inquired.
    “For a phone call?” Damn, this